Then, five days after I submitted my new book proposal to Elder Sister Liu Xin, I finally got her reply—

"Come by tomorrow."

So the next day, I headed to the editorial department early for a face-to-face chat with Elder Sister Liu Xin.

Though we were close friends and usually chatted lightly, the air now felt heavy with gloom.

My proposal lay printed and stacked before me, silence hanging between us.

Except for a greeting when I entered, Elder Sister Liu Xin hadn’t spoken a word, just kept flipping through the pages.

It had been sent a week ago, yet she acted as if it were fresh.

But for a publication proposal, rereading it two or three times wasn’t strange.

Finally, an eerie smile crept onto Elder Sister Liu Xin’s face.

That smile felt familiar—almost routine.

I vaguely recalled her wearing it when I first handed her my wuxia novel.

The pressure was immense.

Though we were both ordinary humans, she radiated the aura of the Grim Reaper.

My fate seemed to hang on her whim.

Just as I thought all my effort was wasted—

"...I never expected Gale Splendor could come up with a story like this alone."

Previous novels had been co-planned with her, polished step by step.

This time, I’d asked for help too, but she’d refused.

"It seems Gale Splendor is growing more girlish."

"Elder Sister Liu Xin, are you mocking me...?"

"No, I’m praising you."

Her expression shifted instantly from deathly stern to warmly affectionate.

Still, I couldn’t quite accept such praise.

But more pressing matters needed confirmation.

I gulped nervously and asked, "So... this proposal...?"

"Hmm, we’ll use this one."

"Eh? R-Really?"

I’d sensed it, yet hearing it from my editor brought unexpected relief.

"It’s true... Though some parts clash with typical shoujo novels—almost like a male-oriented story—the bond and conflict between the leads gripped me deeply. The protagonist’s charm will hook readers. This is Gale Splendor’s solo effort. Rejecting it would be a shame."

She spoke sincerely, then smiled gently.

"Besides, Master Gale Splendor’s readers include many men. Adding a touch of male appeal isn’t a bad thing."

It was unavoidable.

During research, I’d experienced plenty of harem protagonist perks.

Not using them would waste the effort—and disrespect the certain someone who’d "participated."

Though my real goal was revenge on that person.

"Oh... oh..."

"At first, I hesitated about this shift. But after discussing with the chief editor last night, we decided."

"C-Chief editor? Decided?"

Wow! They’d even involved the chief editor! This was a huge success!

"Yep, congrats, Gale Splendor!"

"Wow~"

"Your new book is approved. It’s already on the publishing schedule."

"Rea—"

Excitement surged after this long writing drought and past rejections.

I wanted to clench my fists and shout my joy aloud.

"...This is amazing!"

My cheers echoed through the editorial office.

Other editors clapped for me.

So grateful.

"Truly congratulations, Gale Splendor," Elder Sister Liu Xin said once I calmed down.

"Thanks."

Strangely, thirty-something Elder Sister Liu Xin looked as cute as a seventeen-year-old beauty today.

"Next, let’s set the deadline for your first draft!"

"Ah..."

My bright mood dimmed instantly.

Elder Sister Liu Xin, why bring this up now?

Deadlines were just numbers to writers, yet they still weighed heavily.

"Considering your classes, we’ll set it six months from now."

Six months—honestly, she was being kind.

After the first draft came revisions, then finalization, plus other tasks. Publishing would take at least a year.

This was the fastest plan for me. Full-time writers might finish in three to six months.

"You’re impressive, achieving so much at your age."

Elder Sister Liu Xin really missed the mood, still offering heartfelt praise.

Theoretically, half a year was plenty.

But I’d only submitted the proposal, not the manuscript.

Writing the actual text required polishing dialogues and details to match "Yao Star Yan-style" heroine lines.

Simply put, with my current relationship with Yao Star Yan, it was impossible.

"Oh, Gale Splendor."

Elder Sister Liu Xin seemed oblivious to my expression.

She casually pulled an A4 sheet from under the proposal.

"I know you’ve wanted to try xianxia novels. Our publisher is co-hosting a xianxia contest with others. Most entrants are newcomers... With six months for your new book, you’d have time. Want to try?"

Xianxia?

My gloom vanished instantly!

That was real man’s work!

As for the new book—if I improved things with Yao Star Yan within six months, I could pull an all-nighter for a week to finish the manuscript.

Trying this contest first wasn’t bad, even if exhausting.

But if I succeeded, I might meet Master Oath Sword!

"I’ll try!"

As if expecting this, Elder Sister Liu Xin smiled. "Then, give your all to both the new book and the contest!"

Just then, my phone rang.

Elder Sister Liu Xin gestured for me to take it.

I apologized with a smile and answered.

Then—

"Master Gale Splendor! Congrats! I’ll supervise your new book’s progress from now on!"

That troublesome voice belonged to none other than Willow Ran, the sister sitting across from me.